Hi everyone I am in need of some help. I put an engine in a friends 1973
convertible stang and have a reverse problem. It is a 351c w/4 speed manual. I can not shift the car into reverse. Can this be due to a reverse lockout adjustment. How can I figure how to adjust it? All 4 forward gears are fine, but will not slide over left into reverse?

 

When i first got my 351c it took me 25min to get the damn thing into reverse, it's a tough spot to locate and seems like there's about a centimeter of play for getting it into gear. I'm interested to hear possible culprits though...

 

Well, does it just not slide into reverse, or does it grind?

Assuming it's not grinding, I'd start by readjusting the shift linkage. Instructions can be found in the factory shop manual. Reverse uses its own linkage, so it could just be the linkage is out of adjustment.

 

aye. I have 2.50$ on this bet as well. Can't think of anything else.

Kalli

 

pretty sure you guys are right. the engine and trans were not installed when i got the car. is it the linkage that goes from the shifter up to the column linkage rod? there is a bolt/slide adjustment there that i just bolted in the middle to start.

 

Column? I wasn't aware there were any column-shifted manual Mustangs...

 

no no you misunderstand me. the one rod goes to the column from the shifter under the car...in the engine bay.

 

hey guys that is all I needed to do. I adjusted the slide on the shift arm to the lower column and voila...reverse. thanks for the posts.

 

dayem, got some smart peeps here. I'm sure to ask any of my questions here!

 

It won't hurt to still adjust the linkage according to the shop manual. It might prevent the linkage from locking up down the road.